I'm a substitute, a stand-in,
I'm a bloody runner-up,
I'm the horse no-one remembers
Back when Phar Lap won the Cup.
I step onto the podium
And just as quickly stop -
Why can't I climb up one more step
Right to the very top?
I'm a flamin' second fiddle
I'm a ruddy also-ran,
A coulda-been contender
Or an almost-nearly man!
I'm sick of catchin' damn bouquets,
I've more than I can hold,
And I'm sick of soddin' silver;
What I want is gaudy gold!
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Author Notes
This was originally posted back in 2013 when I'd achieved the notable feat of three second-place finishes in a row in FS Site Contests.
I am reviving it now because I seem to have gone past that record. Yes, the latest silver gong in the Haiku contest is my fourth in a row. I do try to catch that bloody bouquet, I really do! This time it was snatched out of my grasp by a lady in a wheelchair.
Phar Lap was a racehorse who won the Melbourne Cup in 1930 in fine style. Bred in New Zealand, he became a champion in Australia and the Aussies claimed him for their own. Then he travelled to America where he thrashed the locals in his only race before dying in slightly suspicious circumstances.
PS I have had more than my share of gold in the intervening years, so I can't really complain, although it is frustrating to come so close, so often. My heart goes out to those who have never won the $100 prize. Keep on trying!
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